The pedals are one of the most powerful tools on the piano, but they’re often a mystery to beginners. This course teaches you everything you need to know, starting with the basics. You’ll learn what each of the three pedals does, how it changes the sound of your music, which kinds of music use it, and how to read pedal markings in sheet music.
Next, you’ll learn four pedaling techniques every pianist should know. Then you’ll put them into practice with 20 exercises that help you pedal smoothly over a variety of rhythms and grooves, so it becomes second nature instead of something you have to think about.
Finally, you’ll learn how to use the pedal in 22 different piano styles. Whether you love classical, pop, jazz or something in between, you’ll know exactly when and how to pedal for the sound you want. Sheet music is included, so you can follow along and take notes as you go.
Course Objectives
Understand the three piano pedals, their effects and the styles of music they're used in
Read common pedaling notation
Learn four essential pedaling techniques
Master pedaling over a variety of rhythms and grooves through 20 exercises
Apply the correct pedaling to 22 different piano styles
Learning Focus
Exercises
Groove
Reading
Rhythm
Featured Reviews
View PWJ member reviews of this course!
This is a must!
Learning how and when using the pedal other styles than a slow ballad is amazing. This can make the difference
Exciting!!
Although it's going to take some time to master, I now have the essential understanding behind pedaling. I will be coming back to this frequently!!
This was something different and enjoyable for me
I found this to be quite interesting in that I was exposed to many different types of music much of which I know nothing about and don't listen to. Musical phrasing came up a number of times during the course in the context of pedal technique - I don't usually think about this too much and it surprised me that it was such a frequent point that Jonny made. Coming from a classical background I felt phrasing is important, but i didn't expect that to be the case with other genres (can't say why). Going forward I will keep that in mind on new material. Thank you Jonny for bringing this important subject to my attention.
Excellent course!
Finally a course that thoroughly discusses the pedal techniques of the piano for different musical styles. What I like about the course is that it not only discusses pedal techniques, but also explains the chords and musical style. And in a fun and clear way as we are used to from Jonny.
Well done!
One of the best courses I’ve taken in my learning track. First time I’ve truly understood how to use the pedal among several styles of music. Adding the pedal made me realize there was yet another dimension to rhythm i did not consider. Thank you!
Learning how and when using the pedal other styles than a slow ballad is amazing. This can make the difference
Exciting!!
Although it's going to take some time to master, I now have the essential understanding behind pedaling. I will be coming back to this frequently!!
This was something different and enjoyable for me
I found this to be quite interesting in that I was exposed to many different types of music much of which I know nothing about and don't listen to. Musical phrasing came up a number of times during the course in the context of pedal technique - I don't usually think about this too much and it surprised me that it was such a frequent point that Jonny made. Coming from a classical background I felt phrasing is important, but i didn't expect that to be the case with other genres (can't say why). Going forward I will keep that in mind on new material. Thank you Jonny for bringing this important subject to my attention.
Excellent course!
Finally a course that thoroughly discusses the pedal techniques of the piano for different musical styles. What I like about the course is that it not only discusses pedal techniques, but also explains the chords and musical style. And in a fun and clear way as we are used to from Jonny.
Well done!
One of the best courses I’ve taken in my learning track. First time I’ve truly understood how to use the pedal among several styles of music. Adding the pedal made me realize there was yet another dimension to rhythm i did not consider. Thank you!
Start your piano journey with a welcoming, hands-on first course designed for complete beginners. You'll learn your way around the keyboard and play familiar tunes in swing, Latin, jazz, pop and blues styles.
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Piano With Jonny offers three core content types:
Courses
Courses are comprised of lessons and are based on selected styles of music and learning focus topics. PWJ offers regular courses, workshops which include teacher interaction, and challenges which are divided into a 4 week learning format.
Lessons
Lessons are combined into courses. Most lessons build upon concepts of the previous lesson, with the exception of Quick Tips which stand alone.
Smartsheets
Smartsheets use the Soundslice sheet music player to give students digital access to all arrangements and lesson sheet music.
Content Types
Piano With Jonny offers three core content types:
Courses
Courses are comprised of lessons and are based on selected styles of music and learning focus topics. PWJ offers regular courses, workshops which include teacher interaction, and challenges which are divided into a 4 week learning format.
Lessons
Lessons are combined into courses. Most lessons build upon concepts of the previous lesson, with the exception of Quick Tips which stand alone.
Smartsheets
Smartsheets use the Soundslice sheet music player to give students digital access to all arrangements and lesson sheet music.
Course Types
Courses are comprised of lessons and are based on selected styles of music and learning focus topics. PWJ offers regular courses, workshops which include teacher interaction, and challenges which are divided into a 4 week learning format.
Lesson Types
Lessons are combined into courses. Most lessons build upon concepts of the previous lesson, with the exception of Quick Tips which stand alone.
Sheet Types
Smartsheets use the Soundslice sheet music player to give students digital access to all arrangements and lesson sheet music. Smartsheets provide audio playback, light-up key notation, transposition, looping, and other learning tools.
Lessons sheets break down a song into smaller learning sections. They are all instantly downloadable.
Arrangements are through-composed pieces that are fully notated. They are available for digital viewing and print purchase.
Skill Levels
Beginner: You have never played piano or are just starting your learning journey.
Intermediate: You have some familiarity with the basics of music, and have learned a few pieces.
Advanced: You are more confident with music theory and can play several challenging pieces.
Learning Focus
Select a specific music learning objective to work on.